Group Tours

We’re here to help your group (10 people or more) explore Chicago’s architecture. CAF is the established authority on architecture tours, and our schedule fills up quickly. Please submit your group tour reservation request as soon as possible so that we may accommodate you.

If you are interested in booking:
Architecture River Cruise Tours, please contact us as soon as possible to secure your preferred date & time.
Walking & Bus Tours, we ask that you provide us with a 4-6 week notice to arrange your group booking.

*All tours are conducted rain or shine. A full refund is available only if the cancellation is received 30 days prior to the tour date.

3 Ways to Submit your Group Tour Reservation

1. Complete Group Tour Form

2. E-mail jdevermann@architecture.org

3. Call Jennifer Devermann, Manager of Group Sales, at 312.922.3432 x226

We have limited capacity for accepting group walking tour reservations,
so please contact us well in advance to ensure we can accommodate your group.
The schedule fills up quickly, so submit your request as soon as possible.

Loop Architecture Walking Tours

Historic Downtown (south loop) Rise of the Skyscraper - Chicago is not only the birthplace of the skyscraper, it is also where most of the innovations in early skyscraper design and technology originated! Take a step back in time for an informative look at some of our world famous early skyscrapers including: Rookery (1888) with its Moorish revival exterior and restored Frank Lloyd Wright interior; Auditorium Building (1889) a masterpiece of engineering, design and acoustics; Marquette Building (1895) an outstanding example of the Chicago School of design; and Chicago Board of Trade Building (1930), one of the city’s most glamorous Art Deco skyscrapers.

Historic Downtown (north loop) Tresures of Michigan Ave. & State St. - See some of the great architectural landmarks of State Street and Michigan Avenue from the late 19th/early 20th centuries. This was a time when Chicago was determined to be a great cultural—as well as commercial—city as evidenced and encouraged by the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

Modern Skyscrapers - explore the International, Modern and Postmodern movements from the powerful, minimalist work of Mies van der Rohe to the new eclecticism. Learn about post-WWII developments and the impact of technological and zoning changes.

Foreign Language tours

Historic and Modern Tours conducted in French, German and Italian - These foreign language tours are available by appointment. Please make your request at least one week in advance. Call 312. 922.3432 x226 to make arrangements.

Each tour lasts two hours and accommodates 10-60 people. Cost is $15 per person ($12 for students and seniors). Both tours may be taken for $26 per person ($22 for students and seniors). In addition, all group walking tours incur a $50 private tour surcharge. Tours in languages other than English may be possible with advance notice

Highlights by Bus

Discover the exciting diversity of Chicago architecture on this 30-mile odyssey. Travel through the Loop, Hyde Park, the Gold Coast, several historic districts, university campuses, parks and residential neighborhoods. Several stops will be made including a tour of the interior of Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House (currently under restoration) given by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust.

The tour lasts 3.5 hours and can accommodate a maximum of 45 persons. Guests are invited to bring a bag lunch and beverage and there is a restroom on board. Cost is $800 per bus plus $12 per person charge for admission to the Robie House (optional), plus a $50 group fee levied by the Robie House. You may also reserve the services of a CAF docent only for use on your own private motorcoach - cost is $375.

Frank Lloyd Neighborhoods by Bus

Trace the development of the Prairie Style in Oak Park and River Forest among the highest concentration of Wright buildings anywhere in the world. Exteriors of more than 25 houses will be interpreted from the bus and in guided walks through three neighborhoods.

The tour lasts 4 hours and can accommodate a maximum of 45 persons. Frank Lloyd Wright Neighborhoods by Bus is scheduled on a limited basis - call for availability. Group tours do not include interiors of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio or Unity Temple.

Architecture River Cruise

CAF's Architecture River Cruise spotlights over 50 historic and architecturally significant sites where you'll gain a new perspective of the city. Come aboard either of our well-appointed vessels, Chicago's First Lady, Chicago's Little Lady and Chicago's Fair Lady where open-air and indoor seating will add comfort to your journey. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board.

The cruise lasts for 90 minutes and can accommodate groups of 20 - 120 people based on availability. Our flexible policy gives groups time to finalize their count until two weeks before the tour. Weekend rates are $32 per person. Weekday group rates $28 per person. For reservation please call 312.922.3432 x226.
After hour cruises may also be privately chartered by calling Chicago's First Lady Cruises at 847.358.1330.

Slide Presentations: Rise of the Skyscraper or Devil in the White City

CAF brings the architecture of the Loop to you!
Rates are $150 for groups, $100 for not-for-profit organizations. Call 312.922.3432 x226 to make arrangements.

Tours for School Groups (3 - 8th grade)

CAF offers a variety of field trips for students. For printed information, call us at 312.922.3432 x232.